One Raging Storm To Another....

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, like your people of old, my worship often needs to be reignited. Show me how I can restore passion in my worship.

READ: MATTHEW 8:28-34

Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men

28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,[a] two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. MATTHEW 8:28-34

Footnote:

[a] Matthew 8:28 Some manuscripts Gergesenes; other manuscripts Gerasenes

REFLECT:

Not only are wind and waves subject to God, but also demons and evil spirits. Praise God for his victorious power!

This is sobering stuff. The reality of the forces of evil at work. Yet Jesus, as always, was totally in control of the situation, and the demons knew it (vs 29,31)! How reassuring to know that now, as well as then, God confronts the darkness with his Son, the light of the world.

Two thousand years later, darkness still surrounds us but, ‘… thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Jesus’ encounter with these men, shortly after calming the raging storm, was hugely significant. According to Jewish law, they were ‘unclean’ in three ways: they were Gentiles, they were demon possessed, and they lived among graves (v 28). Jesus saw beyond these restraints, the violence and the abuse. Once again, he intervened in a seemingly hopeless situation and overcame it dramatically and powerfully. What a vivid demonstration for those poor men, as their terrible affliction was dealt with, once and for all. It was finished! Having shown his power over the forces of nature, Jesus now showed his power over the forces of evil.

APPLY:

Whatever the challenges you may be facing, remember that ‘… neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers … will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:38-39).

CLOSING PRAYER:

Lord, I am reminded that you are greater than Satan and all his minions. When I fight spiritual battles, I am fighting from victory not for victory. Thank you, Lord.

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